countyscore
46.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 69Lawn Care 64.9

County Report Card

About Marion County, Illinois

Marion County Nears National Median

With a composite score of 46.7, Marion County sits just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that remains competitive with many Midwestern peers.

A Competitively Priced Illinois Option

Marion ranks below the Illinois state average of 52.8, but remains a notable entry in the southern region. It presents a more affordable alternative to the state's more expensive northern hubs.

Clean Water and High Affordability

Water quality is a standout feature with an impressive score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from high affordability, reflected in a cost score of 63.6 and median rent of just $771.

Tax Pressures and Risk Factors

The local tax score of 6.9 reflects a high 1.707% tax rate relative to the national landscape. Environmental risk also poses a challenge with a low score of 22.9.

Best for Budget-Minded Small Families

This county is a strong fit for families seeking low housing costs and reliable infrastructure. It appeals most to those who prioritize monthly savings over high-income growth.

Score breakdown

Tax6.9Cost63.6Safety59.8Health48.4Schools42.9Income41.5Risk22.9Water86Weather56.8
🏛6.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Illinois
51.7
Fayette County
Illinois
53.8
Clinton County
Illinois
52
Clay County
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Washington County
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Wayne County
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Bond County
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Effingham County
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Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marion County

via TaxByCounty

Marion County offers below-average tax rates

Marion County's effective tax rate of 1.707% sits below the national median of 1.728%, placing it in the 45th percentile nationally. Despite homes here being more affordable than the national average, the median property tax of $1,709 is 36% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Marion ranks low in Illinois tax burden

Marion County's effective rate of 1.707% falls below Illinois's state average of 1.831%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. At just $1,709 in median annual property taxes, Marion County residents pay 39% less than the state median of $2,782.

Lowest taxes among regional peers

Marion County's 1.707% effective rate is the lowest among its neighboring counties—significantly below Massac County (1.499% rate but higher median tax) and well below Madison County (1.925%). For affordability-focused homeowners, Marion offers a genuine advantage in the regional market.

Annual tax bill averages just $1,709

On Marion County's median home value of $100,100 and effective rate of 1.707%, homeowners pay approximately $1,709 annually in property taxes. This is among the lowest in the state and reflects both lower home values and moderate tax rates.

Still room to verify your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties like Marion, overassessments occur when property values are incorrectly estimated or increased without justification. Homeowners should request a reassessment review with the Marion County Assessor—it costs nothing and could unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's rents near the national line

Marion County renters spend 15.2% of household income on rent, just below the national norm, but face a median household income of $60,839—about 19% lower than the $74,755 national average. Lower rent ($771/month) helps offset the income gap, making housing more accessible than raw affordability ratios suggest.

Slight edge above Illinois average

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Illinois's state average of 14.7%, placing it in the middle range of county affordability. The median rent of $771 is $66 below the state average, a modest advantage that helps stretch lower incomes further.

Most affordable rents in the region

Marion County boasts the lowest median rent ($771) among its regional peers, undercutting Marshall ($767 by just $4) and significantly beating Madison ($969). This affordability advantage extends to homeownership: Marion's median owner cost of $785 is the lowest in the immediate area.

Housing takes over housing budgets

With a $60,839 median income, Marion residents spend $771/month on rent (15.2%) or $785/month on homeownership costs (15.5%). These figures suggest housing consumes roughly one-third of gross income, leaving tight margins for utilities, food, and savings.

Marion offers rural affordability

Moving to Marion County means accessing some of Illinois's lowest housing costs and home values ($100,100 median). If budget is your priority, Marion competes well against Marshall and significantly undercuts Madison—though income levels here are lower across the board.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion earnings lag far behind national median

Marion County's median household income of $60,839 falls $13,916 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. This gap indicates Marion households earn notably less than the typical American family.

Marion ranks below state average income

At $60,839, Marion County trails Illinois's statewide median of $68,580 by $7,741, placing it in the lower half of the state's 102 counties. The shortfall reflects economic challenges and fewer high-wage employment opportunities compared to state peers.

Marion struggles against stronger regional economies

Marion County's $60,839 median income lags Marshall County ($69,818) and Madison County ($74,800) by $9,000–$14,000 per household. Its per capita income of $32,199 also falls below the state average of $36,009, indicating weaker individual earning power across the county.

Affordable housing keeps Marion accessible

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% means renters spend roughly $770 monthly on housing, staying comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $100,100 make homeownership realistic for median-income families, though lower household earnings limit overall wealth accumulation.

Strategic savings unlock opportunity in Marion

Marion households earning $60,839 must prioritize high-impact financial moves: building a 3–6 month emergency fund and maximizing any employer 401(k) match first. Even modest contributions of $100 monthly to a savings account or IRA compounds to $18,000+ over a decade, bridging the earning gap with stronger regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County maintains high safety standards

Marion County's total crime rate of 924.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly 60% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county achieves a safety score of 98.5, indicating a generally secure environment for the community.

Slightly behind the state average

Marion County's safety score of 98.5 is just below the Illinois state average of 98.7. The total crime rate of 924.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 835.0, placing it in the middle tier of Illinois counties.

A stable presence in Southern Illinois

Marion County holds its own against regional neighbors, with six reporting agencies keeping the crime rate under 1,000 incidents per 100,000. It remains a safer option compared to the more volatile urban centers in the southern half of the state.

Breakdown of local crime types

Property crime stands at 732.5 per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is 191.8. Both categories remain significantly safer than the national averages of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime.

Protecting your Marion County property

To keep property crime rates low, residents are encouraged to use smart home technology and reinforced locks. Simple community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to local police help maintain the county's safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County health lags significantly

Marion County's 72.4-year life expectancy falls nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years, marking a substantial gap. With 19.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average of 18%.

Well below Illinois health outcomes

At 72.4 years, Marion County's life expectancy trails the state average of 76.0 years by 3.6 years—among the lowest in Illinois. The 6.5% uninsured rate marginally exceeds Illinois's 6.3% average, suggesting insurance access is not the primary health driver.

Mixed provider resources

Marion County's 35 primary care providers per 100,000 rank below neighboring Madison County (48) and Mason County (39), limiting routine care access. However, its 404 mental health providers per 100,000 significantly exceed regional peers, indicating strong behavioral health capacity.

Healthcare access and coverage challenges

With 6.5% uninsured and only 35 primary care providers per 100,000, Marion County residents face dual barriers to care. The county's health crisis extends beyond insurance—limited providers and a 19.7% poor/fair health rate signal deeper systemic challenges.

Getting covered is step one

Marion County's 6.5% uninsured rate means roughly 3,000 residents lack health insurance—a critical gap for a county facing health challenges. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage options and take the first step toward better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Local Education Across 27 Public Schools

Marion County operates 27 public schools serving a total enrollment of 5,779 students. The infrastructure is spread across 14 districts and includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools.

Investing in the Next Generation of Graduates

The county graduation rate stands at 82.3%, trailing the Illinois state average of 88.8%. Local districts spend $8,386 per pupil, which is below the national average of $13,000 but earns a composite school score of 52.5.

Centralia and Salem Drive Local Enrollment

Centralia SD 135 is a major provider with 1,089 students across four schools, while Salem SD 111 manages key middle and primary centers. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, with no charter schools in operation.

An Intimate, Small-Town Academic Environment

Education here has a personal feel, as 15 schools are located in towns and 12 in rural areas. Schools average just 263 students, with Centralia High School being the largest at 863 students.

Find Your Home in a Close-Knit District

Marion County offers a community-focused education ideal for families seeking smaller class sizes and town-based living. Explore residential options near Centralia and Salem to be close to the county's largest academic hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion sits slightly above state average

Marion County's composite risk score of 77.13 places it in the Relatively Low category, above Illinois's state average of 54.46. While this indicates moderate risk exposure, it's considerably lower than the highest-risk counties statewide.

Mid-range risk profile for Illinois

Marion County ranks in the middle tier of Illinois counties by disaster risk, with notable vulnerability to earthquakes (95.04) and tornadoes (70.55). Its flood risk of 68.13 reflects exposure to central Illinois water systems.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Marion's composite score of 77.13 significantly exceeds neighboring Marshall County (27.23) and McDonough County (37.53), though it remains lower than Madison County to the north (93.42). This variation reflects Marion's particular exposure to seismic activity.

Earthquake risk drives Marion's profile

Marion County's earthquake risk score of 95.04 is exceptionally high and represents the primary driver of its overall risk profile. Tornadoes (70.55) and flooding (68.13) also warrant serious attention and preparation.

Earthquake insurance should be a priority

Marion County's extreme earthquake risk makes standalone earthquake coverage a smart investment—standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Additionally, ensure adequate flood insurance, particularly if your property sits near waterways or in historically flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet

Marion County's 54.8°F annual average temperature is notably higher than the national median. It stands out for its 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the wetter regions in the state.

A Leader in Statewide Rainfall

Marion County's 44.9 inches of rain significantly exceeds the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. Its 54.8°F annual average also places it well above the state mean of 52.8°F.

Sizzling Summer Heat Days

Marion faces 32 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than Madison or Macoupin. It also has one of the lowest snowfall totals in the region at just 10.9 inches.

Long Summers and Brief Snow

The July average is a sultry 77.2°F, fueling over a month of extreme heat days. Winters remain relatively warm, with the December-February average staying above freezing at 32.7°F.

Water Management and Heat Relief

Homeowners must plan for high moisture levels and potential localized flooding due to the 44.9-inch rain total. Cooling systems will be heavily utilized during the 32 days of extreme annual heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of the Interior

Marion County soils average a pH of 6.32, making them slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is common for the region and remains within the healthy range for most agricultural production.

Fine Texture and High Silt

The soil contains 68.1% silt and 19.0% clay, creating a fine-textured environment that retains moisture well. The 13.0% sand content is relatively low, meaning the soil feels smooth and holds its shape when wet.

Consistent Water Storage Potential

Organic matter levels reach 1.92%, just under the national average and significantly below the state average of 2.94%. However, an available water capacity of 0.207 in/in helps the soil act as a reliable reservoir for plant roots.

Awaiting Local Hydrology Data

Specific federal data for dominant drainage classes and taxonomic orders is currently unavailable for this area. Based on the 69.0 soil score, residents should focus on adding compost to improve structure and natural drainage over time.

Success in Zone 6b

Marion County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, allowing for a diverse range of perennial flowers and vegetables. The soil provides a stable base for home gardens if you manage for the slightly lower organic content.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Central Illinois

Marion County holds a lawn difficulty score of 64.9, indicating it is more challenging to maintain than the state average of 69.8. Situated in Zone 6b, the local climate presents unique hurdles for homeowners compared to the national median score of 50.0.

High Heat Impacts Growing Schedules

Lawns receive 44.9 inches of rain annually, but 32 extreme heat days—five more than the state average—can stress cool-season grasses. While specific growing season data is limited, 3966 growing degree days suggest you will likely mow frequently during the peak season.

Acidic Soil Requires Careful Management

The soil pH of 6.32 is near the middle of the ideal range, supporting a healthy ecosystem for grass roots. Because specific texture data is unavailable, residents should observe how the 19% clay base handles heavy rain before making major amendments.

Severe Drought Demands Water Conservation

Extreme conditions persist here, as 76.4% of the county currently suffers from severe drought or worse. This follow-up to 28 weeks of drought over the last year makes water conservation and mulch-mowing essential for lawn survival.

Target Your Seeding for Mid-April

Spring seeding becomes viable after April 9th, though the October 26th frost date marks a relatively quick end to the peak season. Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this zone's variable temperature and moisture levels.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Illinois has a composite county score of 46.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Marion County rank among counties in Illinois?
Marion County ranks #78 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Marion County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,709, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 6.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Illinois is $60,839 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Illinois a good place to live?
Marion County scores 46.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Marion County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Marion County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.